Hibiscus plant named Waikiki

ABSTRACT

A Hibiscus plant named Waikiki particularly characterized by its pink flower color with a dark red eye; regular single flower form; flower diameter of 120 to 145 mm; excellent pot habit with vigorous growth, good branching and very uniform performance; flower life of a single day; easy to propagate; good resistance to Bacterial Leaf Spot, (Pseudomonas sp.); and good shipping tolerance.

The present invention comprises a new and distinct cultivar of Hibiscus,botanically known as Hibiscus rosasinensis L., and referred to by thecultivar name Waikiki.

Waikiki, identified as 85-157003, was originated from a cross made byFrank C. Moser in a controlled breeding program in Alva, Fla., in 1984.

The female parent of Waikiki was the cultivar identified as PinkVersicolor, an unpatented Hibiscus cultivar with single flower form andpink flower color with a red eye.

The male parent of Waikiki was the cultivar Fort Myers Yellow, anunpatented Hibiscus cultivar having single flower form and yellow flowercolor with an orange throat and a red eye.

Waikiki was discovered and selected as one flowering plant within theprogeny of the stated cross by Frank C. Moser in August 1985, in groundbeds in Alva, Fla.

The first act of asexual reproduction of Waikiki was accomplished whenvegetative cuttings were taken from the initial selection in October1985 in ground beds in Alva, Fla., by technicians working under thesupervision of Frank C. Moser.

Horticultural examination of controlled flowerings of successiveplantings has shown that the unique combination of characteristics asherein disclosed for Waikiki are firmly fixed and are retained throughsuccessive generations of asexual reproduction.

Waikiki has not been observed under all possible environmentalconditions. The phenotype may vary significantly with variations inenvironment such as temperature, light intensity and daylength.

The following observations, measurements and comparisons describe plantsgrown in Alva, Fla. under greenhouse conditions which approximate thosegenerally used in Florida for commercial potted Hibiscus production.

The following traits have been repeatedly observed and are determined tobe basic characteristics of Waikiki, which, in combination, distinguishthis Hibiscus as a new and distinct cultivar:

1. Pink Flower color with a dark red eye.

2. Regular single flower form, with flower diameter of 120 to 145 mm.

3. Excellent pot habit with vigorous growth, good branching and veryuniform performance.

4. Flower life of a single day.

5. Easy to propagate.

6. Good resistance to Bacterial Leaf Spot (Pseudomonas sp.).

7. Good shipping tolerance (bud drop resistance).

The accompanying photographic drawings show typical plant habit, flowerand leaf characteristics of Waikiki, with the colors being as nearlytrue as possible with illustrations of this type.

Sheet 1 is a color photograph of Waikiki grown as a commerciallyfinished pot plant, with 4 cuttings in a 15 cm. pot.

Sheet 2 is a black and white photograph of the foliage of Waikiki,ranging from small or immature to relatively large and mature.

Of the commercial cultivars known to the inventor, the most similar incomparison to Waikiki is the female parent Pink Versicolor. Waikiki hasa larger flower diameter, a lighter flower color and a more uniformperformance when compared with Pink Versicolor. In addition, Waikiki hasmuch better shipping tolerance (bud drop resistance) than PinkVersicolor, and is much more resistant to Bacterial Leaf Spot than PinkVersicolor, which is very susceptible.

It is worth noting that bud drop in shipping budded plants has been asevere problem in many Hibiscus cultivars currently being grown.Breeding for varieties not showing this trait is a high prioritybreeding objective. Therefore, the trait of bud drop resistance inWaikiki is very important. Resistance to Pseudomonas sp. (Bacterial LeafSpot) is also a very important trait. Cultivars which are verysusceptible to this disease cannot be grown successfully in the Floridaenvironment.

In the following description color references are made to The RoyalHorticultural Society Colour Chart. The color values were determined onMay 18, 1990 in Salinas, Calif. on plant material grown in Alva, Fla.and shipped as a budded plant to Salinas, Calif., where it was flowered.

Classification:

Botanical.--Hibiscus rosasinensis L. cv Waikiki.

Commercial.--Greenhouse pot Hibiscus.

INFLORESCENCE

A. Flower (general):

Size.--120 to 145 mm.

Borne.--In axils of leaves, 1 per node.

Form.--Regular single.

Life.--One day.

Blooming habit.--Continuously, year round.

B. Corolla (petals):

Color (general tonality from a distance of three meters).--Pink.

Color (upper surface).--52C. Eye: Basal part of eye very dark red,closest to 53A to 53B, blending into 52C. Veins: Slightly darker than52C, closest to 52B.

Color (under surface).--52D to 52C, veins 52C. Left 1/3 of underside ofpetal: Basal portion white, streaked with 52C; top portion slightlyoverlaid with 19B.

C. Reproductive organs:

Androecium (stamens).--Numerous anthers, abundant pollen; color 15A.

Gynoecium (pistil).--Stigma: 5 in number, rounded, hairy. Color: 46B.Style: Base closest to 53B, blending into 52C.

PLANT

A. General appearance:

Height.--20 to 25 cm. when grown as pot Hibiscus with 4 cuttings in a 15cm. pot and 1 to 2 applications of 400 ppm CCC.

Branching pattern.--Semi-upright.

B. Foliage:

Color (upper surface).--147A.

Color (under surface).--147B.

Shape.--See photograph.

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct Hibiscus plant named Waikiki, asdescribed and illustrated.